Chief Stipe

In which race did Empire Rose try to bite her opponent?

No it doesn't. Programming - sequencing relative to available horses, track conditions all play a bigger part. Trainers also seem to have a perverse view of the world that the more money on offer the stronger the quality of the opposition.

Empire Rose 1988 Melbourne Cup. Natski.

Presumably you are referring to the Ruakaka incident where a horse that Chris Dell was riding broke down and Dell was injured. Afterwards the Trainer, Brett MacDonald (father of James) was found to have administered Bute to four of his horses trialling that day. However the official report refers to traces of Bute in the horse that fell. So your inference is that if Bute wasn't used the horse wouldn't have trialled or wouldnt have tried hard enough to breakdown and the accident wouldn't have happened. However there is no proof of a causative relationship between the Bute application and the horse breaking down.

Which is predominantly high energy foods is it not? Good luck competing with a solely grass fed horse.

Omeprazole has a withholding period. It is used to treat stomach ulcers. You probably have some in your bathroom medicine cabinet.

Acute or chronic doesn't define the level of pain. Every horse in training either has an acute or chronic condition. But that doesn't mean Tokyo Tycoon was in severe pain as you suggested. Stomach ulcers are a common chronic condition in horses. Are they all in severe pain? What's the old training maxim - "No pain no gain". That's often the single thing that determines if a horse is a champion or not. Their ability to overcome pain to win.

Why?

Define "sore"? All racehorses at competitive fitness have some degree of inflammation. Afterall that's how training works. You put the horse under stress in training to train it mentally and physically to be ready to race at a competitive level. Any successful trainer will be doing it. The fine art is to determine what the limits are for each individual horse. Why do the likes of Waller put their brst horses straight into an ice bath and give anti-inflammatories after a track gallop?

Acute and chronic have specific medical definitions not related to the level of pain. Acute refers to a condition that develops quickly and lasts for a short period of time. Chronic conditions develop slowly and worsen over longer periods of time. All horses in work suffer from a degree of musculoskeletal inflammation. As do most elite athletes. Doesn't mean they are feeling severe pain.

Would Bute have been better? Research would indicate that Meloxicam is better at treating inflammatory conditions with less negative gastrointestinal effects. Some trainers use it as a preventative measure.

How do you know it had "severe pain"? Geez it won the race on its ear!

We have the Stipes here calling into question a driver when they sit parked or try and challenge too hard for the lead or they get pinged for slowing the outside line up. You can't win!

Yet some of those "top class nags" have been ridden abysmally by top OZ jocks. McEvoy the worst. He rode some shockers on Meolody Belle. J Mac rode a shocker on Imperatriz one week and next start Opie rode her a treat.

Doesn't say much for the others. He does OK in OZ.

Thanks I think so. I've actually talked to a couple of administrators about it in the past and they agreed but I just don't see the traction. Especially under the new incumbents. I was thinking about the industry this morning. Once again we are seeing the promise of a bright and sunny future with the Entain deal. All I see in that is false hope which is based on a cynical memory of all the previous promises of a golden summer. The AWT's being one on many. I thing look at the drug environmental contamination issue alongside the fine lines of the use of therapeutic drugs. Joe Bloggs stakeholders jump on the bandwagon to attack a big stable when they err but mention nothing about the lesser stable examples. The irony is the big stable survives the mistake because it can afford it. The little stable often takes a hit they can't recover from. Look at the Waretini dog case where the Trainer in her long career had had no priors yet is put out for a time that may bring an end to that career. Meanwhile the elephant in the room is not addressed. No leadership saying what they intend to do. Once more it favours the big stables as they put expensive systems in place to monitor, to contain and control. They pass the cost onto the owners. Then there are the tracks and the lack of consistent cohesive programming of races that would enable the greatest number of participants. Meanwhile how administrators still part and fiddle. Fine dine to nut out the Entain deal of the Century and not one fundamental issue is fixed.

The RIB and the code administrations would argue that they have worked together to remove the inconsistency. Many of the cases cited are historical. Therein also lies a problem as the judiciary use past inconsistent decisions as precedents for current ones. Or a simpler option would be for the Code Administrations to work together and working off the same agreed song sheet tell the RIB what to do.

Didn't you suggest whacking it with his helmet?

Rangiora HRC 7 May 2023 – R10 (heard 12 May 2023 at Addington) – Jonny Cox ID: RIB21430 Respondent(s): Jonny Cox - Driver Applicant: Paul Williams, Stipendiary Steward Adjudicators: Russell McKenzie (Chair) and Dave Anderson Information Number: A20976 Decision Type: Non-raceday hearing Charge: Improper Driving Rule(s): 869(3)(f) - Riding/driving infringement Plea: Not Admitted Stewards Report Results Animal Name: Just Michael Code: Harness Race Date: 07/05/2023 Race Club: Rangiora Harness Racing Club Race Location: Rangiora Racecourse - 312 Lehmans Road, Fernside, Rangiora, 7440 Race Number: R10 Hearing Date: 12/05/2023 Hearing Location: Addington Raceway, Christchurch Outcome: Proved Penalty: Driver, Jonny Cox, suspended 7 days BACKGROUND: Following the running of Race 10, Tyre General Handicap Pace, Open Driver, Jonny Cox, denied a charge that, as the Driver of JUST MICHAEL in the race, he drove improperly passing the 1500 metres when striking the trailing KIWI HERO (Robbie Holmes) on several occasions with his left fist. Rule 869 provides as follows: (3) No driver in any race shall drive: (f) improperly EVIDENCE: Stipendiary Steward, Shane Renault, read to the hearing a definition of “improper driving: “Improper driving” can mean unseemly, unwarranted or not in accordance with the normal rules of conduct expected of a licenceholder or driver competing in a race. “Improper driving” is something improperly done, connected with the act of driving. “Improper driving” involves something being done which ought not to have been done, or something is omitted to have been done which ought to have been done and which is judged to be wrong, but not necessarily within the description of careless, dangerous or reckless. Mr Renault said that the charge involves an incident near the 1500 metres. He showed a video replay of the relevant part of the race and pointed out JUST MICHAEL, driven by the Respondent, racing in the one-one position approaching the home turn for the bell lap. He also pointed out KIWI HERO, driven by Mr Holmes, trailing the Respondent, racing keenly and under a strong hold. He then pointed out the Respondent turn his head to the side and look around. Mr Renault said that it was the concern of the Stewards that, for a distance passing the 1500 metres, the Respondent had used his left fist to strike the horse behind him, which Stewards deemed to be an improper act – striking the horse on the head three times and, on one occasion, on the chest. Mr Cox was being trailed closely by the horse behind and had turned his head to try to get it off his back and, in the end, had struck the horse. It was a “terrible look for racing”, Mr Renault submitted. Such actions during a race, or at any stage, cannot be condoned, he said. Mr Renault then made mention of the Code of Welfare for Horses and Donkeys under the Animal Welfare Act. That provides: 20 Persons must not strike an equid on its head A person must not strike an equid on its head. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500. The offence in subclause (2) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500. Mr Renault said that there were things that a Driver could do to stop the horse behind trailing too closely, but the Respondent’s actions were not one of them and constituted improper driving. Any person, anywhere in the world, could watch this race and see what the Respondent had done. The Respondent showed a video replay from the 2200 metres to illustrate that Mr Holmes was following too close. He showed that the horse’s head was inside his helmet which, he alleged, happened on several occasions down the back straight. Just after the 1000 metres, he said, he leaned back to get the horse off his back. It had been striking his wheel and the back of his sulky. It was getting in a dangerous position, he said, and he did not wish a fall to occur. He believed that Mr Holmes should have taken his runner out before this happened. The Respondent added that, in the circumstances, he was unsure of what else he could have done. Mr Renault said that Mr Holmes, when asked, had said that he had had no concerns at the time, and had not heard the Respondent call to him. Had he realised, he would have pulled his runner out and gone forward. Stewards would have had no concerns that it was anything out of the ordinary, Mr Renault said. Finally, Mr Renault said, it was not the Respondent’s concern what was happening behind him. The Respondent ought not to have turned around and contacted Mr Holmes’ runner as who was to know how it would react, he said. It could gallop and fall. The Respondent’s actions were certainly outside the bounds of the Rules, he submitted. DECISION: The charge is found proved. REASONS FOR DECISION: The Respondent was clearly frustrated by Mr Holmes’ runner which had, he said, been annoying him for some distance by following too close. In fairness to the Respondent, some of that could be seen on the video replays that the Adjudicative Committee was shown. However, the actions that the Respondent took to attempt to stop the horse annoying him, were completely inappropriate and improper within the definition put to us by Mr Renault. The decision that he made was the worst decision that he could have made. His striking the other horse about the head and chest was plainly visible on the replay and, unfortunately, also plainly visible to the viewing audience on the Trackside television channel. It, having been clearly proved that the Respondent did strike the horse on several occasions with his left fist, as alleged, the Adjudicative Committee then had to determine whether that amounted to “improper driving”. The Adjudicative Committee was clearly satisfied that the Respondent’s venting his frustration by striking the trailing runner on several occasions with his fist, amounted to improper driving. By any definition, his actions were improper. It could never be proper or appropriate to strike another runner in the manner he did, no matter how frustrated he was, or how concerned he may have been about the likelihood of interference, or even a fall, resulting from that runner following too close. The Adjudicative Committee noted the provisions of the Animal Welfare Code to which it was referred to by Mr Renault, confirming that a horse must not be struck on the head. That prohibition certainly has application to Harness Racing. SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY: Stipendiary Steward, Shane Renault, said that the Respondent has had 167 drives this season and, last season, had 291 drives. He is a South Island Driver. The starting point under the Penalty Guide is an 8-days suspension. It is difficult to assess the seriousness of the breach, because such breaches are rare. Aggravating factors were the look/perception to the viewing public, Mr Renault said the Respondent has a good record. The submission of Stewards for penalty was for a suspension of not less than 6 days, Mr Renault said. The Respondent maintained that his actions were “a safety thing”, notwithstanding the charge having been found proved. He admitted that, although his reaction may not have been the best, he felt at the time that he had no other option. The Respondent requested a deferment until after 19 May next. REASONS FOR PENALTY: The RIB Harness Racing Penalty Guide (February 2023) suggests a starting point for penalty of an 8-days suspension. That is a significant penalty. Factors to be considered in relation to penalty are the animal welfare aspect of the breach, the Respondent’s previous good record and some allowance for Mr Cox’s position that he had been frustrated and provoked into his actions by the trailing horse. That is not to say, of course, that his actions were justified. Weighing up the totality of those factors, the Adjudicative Committee had decided that the appropriate penalty in this case is a suspension of 7 days. CONCLUSION: The Respondent, Open Driver, Jonny Cox is suspended from after the close of racing on 19 May 2023, up to and including 1 June 2023 – 7 days. Decision Date: 12/05/2023 Publish Date: 17/05/2023

Non Raceday Inquiry (Part 1) – Written Decision dated 17 May 2023 – TOKYO TYCOON ID: RIB21597 Respondent(s): Mark Walker - Trainer Applicant: Mr R Carr - RIB Racing Investigator Adjudicators: G Jones and A Smith Persons Present: Mr Walker, Mr Carr Information Number: A17973 Decision Type: Non-raceday hearing Charge: Prohibited substance (Meloxicam) Rule(s): Rule 804(2) - Prohibited substance Plea: Admitted Stewards Report Results Animal Name: TOKYO TYCOON Code: Thoroughbred Race Date: 11/03/2023 Race Club: Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Race Location: Pukekohe Park - 222/250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Hill, Pukekohe, 2120 Race Number: R5 Hearing Date: 16/05/2023 Hearing Location: By teleconference Outcome: Proved Penalty: TOKYO TYCOON is disqualified from Race 5 at Auckland TR on 11 March 2023 Introduction [1] The Racing Integrity Board (RIB) filed Information A17973 which relates to a Prohibited Substance charge against Licensed Class A Trainer, Mr Mark Walker (the “Respondent”). This charge arises from TOKYO TYCOON’S first placing in Race 5, the Group 1 Sistema Stakes at the Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Club meeting at Pukekohe Park. The Respondent is the Trainer of TOKYO TYCOON. [2] During a teleconference between the parties on 16 May 2023, the Respondent admitted the charge. The penalty hearing in relation to the charge will be heard in due course and a written penalty decision will follow. [3] In the interim, the RIB has submitted a summary of the facts concerning this matter and have sought the disqualification of TOKYO TYCOON from its first placing in the said race. This decision deals solely with the disqualification. [4] Accordingly, after consideration of the facts and pursuant to Rule 903(b), TOKYO TYCOON is disqualified and the official placing in the Sistema Stakes are to be amended in accordance with this decision. The Relevant Rules [5] Rules 804(1) and 804(2) provides that: (1) A horse which has been brought to a Racecourse or similar racing facility and which is found by a Tribunal conducting an inquiry to have had administered to it or have had present in its metabolism a Prohibited Substance shall be, in addition to any other penalty which may be imposed, disqualified for any race or trial to which the Third Appendix hereto applies in which it has started on that day. (2) When a horse which has been brought to a Racecourse or similar racing facility for the purpose of engaging in a Race or trial to which the Third Appendix hereto applies is found by a Tribunal conducting an inquiry to have had administered to it or have had present in its metabolism a Prohibited Substance, as defined in Part A of Prohibited Substance Regulations, the Trainer and any other person who in the opinion of such Tribunal conducting such inquiry was in charge of such horse at any relevant time commits a breach of these Rules. [6] Rule 903 provides that: Nothing in these Rules shall prevent: (a) a Stipendiary Steward or Investigator at any time after a Race filing an Information that a horse should be disqualified on account of or in connection with a Prohibited Substance…. (b) an Adjudicative Committee from disqualifying such horse if the Information is proved and making such resultant orders as it considers required, and as are permitted by these Rules (including orders disqualifying the horse and ordering that any money, prize or trophy already handed over be refunded), but such disqualification or order, if ordered or made after the Official Result of Placings has been declared, shall not in any way affect that Official Result of Placings. The Facts The key salient facts are summarised as follows: [7] The Respondent in this matter, Mr Mark Walker, is the Chief Trainer at Te Akau Racing Stables in Matamata. Te Akau Racing currently has one hundred and eighty-one thoroughbreds registered as ‘in training’ with NZTR. Circumstances [8] On 11 March 2023, TOKYO TYCOON won Race 5, the Group 1 Sistema Stakes at the Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Club meeting at Pukekohe Park. The gross stake money for 1st place was $184,000. [9] TOKYO TYCOON is a 2-year-old gelding trained by Mark Walker out of Te Akau Racing. He is owned in partnership by the Meadowbank Masters Racing and Te Akau Satono Samurai Racing Partnerships. [10] TOKYO TYCOON was post-race swabbed on 11 March 2023 at 15:35 hours. [11] On 24 March 2023, New Zealand Racing Laboratory Services (NZRLS) issued a Certificate of Analysis detailing that the sample obtained from TOKYO TYCOON was positive to the Prohibited Substance Meloxicam. [12] Meloxicam is defined as a Prohibited Substance under the Prohibited Substance Regulations of the NZTR Rules of Racing falling under clause 1.1.6 and in the category of substance – Part A (1.2.21) anti-inflammatory agents within the meaning of the Rules. [13] Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for the alleviation of inflammation and relief of pain in both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions in horses. Meloxicam is permitted in race day samples as a therapeutic substance to a regulatory limit of mass concentration of 10 micrograms per litre in urine. The NZRLS has reported that the level in this sample is reported as exceeding 20 micrograms per litre (upper level of calibration used). Its presence therefore above the regulatory limit of 10 micrograms in a race-day sample is, prima facie, a breach of the Rules. [14] Meloxicam is listed on the NZEVA Period of Detection List with a listed possible withholding time of 4.2 days and a detection time of 3 days. [15] On 27 March 2023, Investigators from the RIB undertook enquiries at Te Akau Racing Stables and the subsequent interview of the Respondent along with five other Te Akau Racing employees and their independent veterinary. [16] These enquiries established that in the week prior to the G1 Sistema Stakes on 11 March 2023, TOKYO TYCOON was boxed in Box 3 of the Colt Barn. [17] Copies of both the medication record book and whiteboard outlining individualised horse treatments for the horses boxed in the Colt Barn were obtained. TOKYO TYCOON is referred to in these records by his stable name – ‘Katsu’. [18] A review of these records notes that ‘Katsu’ was due to be administered Meloxicam on the 4th, 6th, and 7th March prior to the raceday on 11 March 2023. [19] Records identify that RARE COMPANY, stable name ‘Powell’ was boxed in Box 2 being directly next to Box 3 where ‘Katsu’ was boxed. [20] The medication record book highlights that ‘Powell’ was due to be scoped and administered ‘melox’ (Meloxicam abbreviated) on the 10 March 2023. [21] Both Colt Barn Forepersons were interviewed and confirmed during interview that they are the only two Te Akau employees apart from the independent vet who would be responsible for administering Meloxicam to ‘Katsu’. [22] Meloxicam administered dosage between the two Forepersons appears to differ slightly with one stating they administer 10ml and the other – “A syringe full so they’re 13/14ml.” Administration is undertaken by way of oral paste syringe to the back of the horse’s tongue. [23] Te Akau Racing has both external and internal CCTV Security Cameras operating in the Colt Barn, which is recorded to a hard drive. RIB subsequently requested disclosure of the footage for the week leading up to race day on 11 March 2023. [24] On 28 March 2023 the Respondent advised the RIB that he had reviewed the internal CCTV footage. He advised that the footage identifies one of the Colt Barn Forepersons entering ‘Katsu’s’ box 3 on 10 March 2023 at 08:42 hours and appears to administer a syringe, which he believes to contain Meloxicam. [25] On 29 March 2023 the RIB attended Te Akau Racing and reviewed the said CCTV footage and obtained an electronic disclosed copy. This footage highlights that both Forepersons are doing their rounds and checking on boxed horses in close proximity to where ‘Katsu’ was boxed. [26] At 08:39 hours a Foreperson is sighted entering ‘Katsu’s’ box 3. The footage highlights that a syringe had been left on the ground directly adjacent to box 3 prior to 08:35 hours when the disclosed footage commenced. [27] The footage shows that at 08:42 hours a Foreperson uplifted this syringe from the ground in front of box 3 and administered orally to ‘Katsu’. [28] In consultation with Te Akau Racing Managers, they believe that the syringe identified in the footage is identical to the veterinary supplied Meloxicam Syringes. [29] A secondary interview was subsequently undertaken of the Foreperson in question and the CCTV footage was played to them for the purpose of seeking their response and explanation in relation to their actions in the footage. In response to questions, one of the Forepersons stated – “Maybe its FILTA BAC. That’s in the same tube as Meloxicam, it looks the same, but I know he’s got white socks and we were treating his mud fever”. On completion of viewing the oral administration via the horse’s tongue the Foreperson became visibly upset and stated – “I’m really sorry”. The foreperson further admitted to “giving him half a Pro-Dosa and the Meloxicam”. [30] This ½ Pro-Dosa and Meloxicam being recorded in the medication record book to be administered to ‘Powell’ on 10th March 2023. When questioned further to how this has occurred, the Foreperson stated – “I’ve obviously put it down because I’d gone to see whatever was happening and then I’ve gone back and just assumed and I didn’t look properly.” [31] It is the RIB’s position that administration has occurred through human error around the mistaken identity of the two horses – ‘Katsu’ and ‘Powell’ that were boxed next to each other. The RIB therefore does not believe that there was any nefarious intent on behalf of the Foreperson or Te Akau Racing to the oral administration of Meloxicam. [32] Enquiries were undertaken with NZTR Chief Veterinarian Dr Andrew Grierson regarding Meloxicam and its absorption rates. These revealed that Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) patented by Boehringer Ingelheim in 1997. Meloxicam blocks the COX-2 more than it blocks the COX-1 inflammatory response to an injury. Dr Grierson further reiterates that the detection time listed on the NZVA WHT list has Meloxicam as a detection time of 72 hours (3 days). Stating however that 72 hours is definitely not the withholding from racing. The NZVA withholding time for Meloxicam is clearly listed as 1.4 times 72 hours being 100.8 hours or 4.2 days. [33] The ‘B Sample’ was independently tested by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) Racing Laboratory and on analysis the presence of Meloxicam was detected. [34] Throughout this investigation the RIB has found Mr Walker and his Te Akau employees to have been extremely cooperative. [35] Enquiries into Mr Walker’s judicial record with NZTR, confirms he has no previous breaches of the Prohibited Substance Rule or any serious racing offences with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing [NZTR]. Therefore, in that regard he has an unblemished record. [36] Pursuant to the Rules, the RIB seeks the disqualification of TOKYO TYCOON from Race 5 at the Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Club meeting at Pukekohe Park on 11 March 2023. Decision and Reasons Decision [37] The Adjudicative Committee makes an order directing that TOKYO TYCOON shall be disqualified from first placing in Race 5, the Group 1 Sistema Stakes at the Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Club meeting at Pukekohe Park. [38] In addition, the gross stake money for first place, $184,000, is to be withheld (forfeited) and paid in accordance with the amended placings. Reasons [39] In reaching its decision, the Adjudicative Committee is required to establish that TOKYO TYCOON was brought to a Racecourse or racing facility and was found by the Adjudicative Committee to have had present in its metabolism, a Prohibited Substance. The Adjudicative Committee is empowered by virtue of Rule 903(b) to make an order disqualifying such horse if the Information is proved. In this case, Mr Walker admitted the breach and therefore the Information is deemed to be proved. The presence of the Prohibited Substance in TOKYO TYCOON’S metabolism at the time of the race, is prima facia a breach of the Rule. [40] Although the breach occurred because of a mistake by one of Mr Walkers employers, he, by virtue of his position, is vicariously liable for the breach and has accepted responsibility. [41] Neither the presence of Meloxicam nor the disqualification, is contested by the Respondent. [42] Therefore, in accordance with the relevant Rules, TOKYO TYCOON is disqualified, and placings amended, and stake money paid in accordance with this order. Costs [43] Due to this matter having been uncontested and dealt with ‘on the papers’, there is no order for costs. Decision Date: 17/05/2023 Publish Date: 18/05/2023

Who said I believe anything you or they say? I don't think they lose any sleep over it. They do for obvious reasons get a bit angsty when in their view false information is posted. We still haven't seen definitive proof from you that Lisa Waretini was receiving industry money for being part of the retired greyhound rehoming process. Not that I have a problem with it if she was. Unfortunately the Code Adminstration and the RIB give you all the ammunition that anti-racing individuals need because they don't address the elephant in the room - environmental contamination. As for any case involving Cobalt it is a minefield as has been shown in OZ without any evidence that Cobalt is a PED particularly the sources that lead to positives.

Well it wasn't "covered up" very well if you were all over it.

I don't take anyone's word for gospel. I make my own mind up. Note I have had many requests to remove posts and haven't removed any respecting the right of people to express there opinion. Often however they fail to provide any definitive proof that what they say is accurate.

So you have no interest other than your self appointed role of industry watchdog and whistle-blower. So if your assertion is right and one of NZ's biggest trainers has returned a meth positive what do you think should happen?